For my entire life, I’ve been fascinated with the process of worldbuilding and sharing unique stories within those worlds. Some of my favorite franchises growing up were Star Wars, Halo, and Bionicle. The union of sci-fi aesthetics with mysticism captured my imagination. I began my formal education in high school with drawing and painting classes at my local Community College. My professor John Bybee was incredibly helpful with my artistic development, going so far as to assign me "extra" homework- advanced color theory, perspective, and anatomy. After graduation, I switched majors a couple of times. I tried Graphic Design and a general Arts Degree, both of which felt a bit stuffy and unsatisfying. I eventually made contact with Tyler Horn, the animation instructor at SCC, who in turn got me in contact with a local Animation Studio. After a three-month internship, I was hired at Grasshorse Studios as an artist. My time at Grasshorse Studios was enlightening. I learned the value of working in a collaborative environment and the importance of communication. Organization and deadlines were new concepts to me, and it took a bit of time to adjust. Most importantly, I discovered my love for 3D art and animation. After a year at Grasshorse, I stepped away to pursue work in other fields. I accepted a position as CNC operator a state over and moved in the summer of 2017. The money was good, and I managed to save enough to return to Southeastern Community College to finish my education. During my two years at SCC, I was introduced to the larger world of animation and visual effects. I fell in love immediately, learning as much as I possibly could. In some way, I reconnected with that wide-eyed child who loved doodling aliens and robots. In the fall of 2021, in the heat of the pandemic, I graduated from Southeastern Community College with an AAS in Animation for Television, Film, & New Media.